2018 Twomey Cellars Sauvignon Blanc Napa and Sonoma County 750 ml

For $25, it’s hard to find a white that showcases America’s epicenter of grape growing with more elegance and class than Twomey Cellars Sauvignon Blanc. But when you consider this is the First Growth-inspired white from the family behind Silver Oak, it all makes sense. 
 
With a California legacy second to none; a devotion to terroir that includes laser-imaging of the soil; and quality controls measures that extend to running a cooperage to control oak from tree to barrel; it’s no wonder Twomey Sauvignon Blanc delivers incredible complexity at a wildly affordable price. Citrus driven, with notes of jasmine, white flowers, and fresh fruit, this white is America’s answer to Bordeaux Blanc, and a perfect summertime crowd pleaser.
 
We were thrilled when we secured our 2018 allocation, and even happier when Matt Duncan, great-grandson of winery namesake Velma Twomey, took the time to talk to us about this stunning white. They took us on a short walk through their Oakville estate vineyard, which is planted with Clone 26, commonly referred to as a Chateau d’Yquem clone, a strain of Sauvignon Blanc that adds succulent fresh fruit like guava and floral notes to the ‘18 Twomey. 

After the Oakville vineyard, we jumped in Matt’s car, and headed north to Calistoga. This is where seven acres of Sauvignon Blanc surround Twomey’s estate winery, planted so the rows of vines run north-south, so the sun kisses both sides of the vines. In this warm site, perfect ripeness lends a tropical undertone to the wine, in addition to adding structure. 
 
With a glass of Sauvignon Blanc in hand, we took in the sunshine in Twomey’s courtyard, as Matt schooled us on their two Sonoma sites. The vineyard in Healdsburg is home to the wine’s Sauvignon Gris component—an innovation encouraged by Twomey’s Merlot consultant, famed Petrus winemaker Jean-Claude Berrouet—which contributes to the luscious, medium-to-full-bodied mouthfeel in the finished wine. The last site, the Merino Vineyard in Sonoma, is planted with classic strains Clone 1 and Sauvignon Musque, which bring juicy, vibrant, and aromatic candied ginger notes to the blend.
 
Once harvested, the Sauvignon Blanc grapes are whole-cluster pressed, and each vineyard block is fermented separately, either in wood barrels, stainless steel barrels, or tanks. The combination of vessels adds depth and complexity to the small lots, which are then aged individually on the lees for 3-5 months. A unique combination of 600-liter demi-muids are used for aging, which yield a fresher wine by allowing much less oxygen transfer than traditional, 225-liter barrels. 
  
We have a fantastic relationship with the Duncan family, not to mention a great track record with their wines. Their track record, of course, is second to none, and with the Twomey Sauvignon Blanc, the legend rolls on. This is your chance to enjoy a First Growth-inspired, world-class Sauvignon Blanc right at home.